This page provides information related to the carbon monoxide incident identified in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on February 4, 2026. Milligan University is sharing this information to keep students, staff, and families informed and to address common questions related to the incident and the university’s response. Information will be updated as appropriate as additional details become available.
Message from President Stephen Waers
FAQs
What happened?
On Wednesday morning, February 4, Milligan University identified a carbon monoxide leak in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. The building was immediately evacuated, and students and staff who may have been exposed were directed to receive medical evaluation.
Milligan quickly began coordinating with Ballad Health and first responders to ensure timely and appropriate medical care. An emergency room physician from Ballad Health was onsite to assist with medical triage and ensure individuals were routed to the appropriate care facilities.
The source of the leak was identified and stopped. Atmos Energy confirmed that carbon monoxide levels in the Fieldhouse returned to normal, and a mechanical contractor verified that the system was safely shut down. The building was inspected and cleared for occupancy by the Elizabethton Fire Department Thursday morning, February 5.
Were there carbon monoxide detectors in the building? Why did they not work?
Yes. The Steve Lacy Fieldhouse was equipped with multiple carbon monoxide detectors; however, they did not alarm. Carbon monoxide detectors that failed to alarm have since been replaced. As a precautionary step, additional carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in the Fieldhouse, and all carbon monoxide detectors across campus have been inspected to ensure proper operation.
Milligan will be partnering with a third party to investigate why the carbon monoxide detectors did not alarm and to review the function of our safety systems and our inspection protocols.
How many students and staff were impacted? How are they doing?
The health and safety of our students and staff continue to be our highest priority.
We are deeply thankful for Ballad Health’s partnership and for the exceptional care they provided to members of our campus community.
Update Feb. 5, 2026:
Approximately 300 students and staff who may have been exposed to carbon monoxide were sent to Ballad Health facilities for evaluation. This included a large number of student-athletes, as the Fieldhouse is used extensively for practices and conditioning.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Because of this, Milligan and Ballad leadership evaluated any students or staff who had concern about exposure.
According to Ballad Health:
- The vast majority of those evaluated have been discharged from care.
- As of 10:00 am on Thursday, February 5, fewer than 20 individuals were still under observation at Ballad facilities.
- Most individuals experienced mild or minimal symptoms requiring precautionary monitoring only.
- A limited number required additional care, including oxygen therapy and extended observation.
What has been done to care for students?
Our team coordinated with Ballad Health to ensure that impacted individuals were quickly routed to medical facilities to be evaluated and treated. Ballad dispatched an ER physician to the Milligan campus to assist and route people to appropriate care. Milligan arranged shuttles to transport impacted individuals. Milligan is covering all expenses associated with evaluation and treatment.
Milligan representatives were onsite at Ballad Health facilities to support those who were being treated and observed. Members of the Milligan cabinet visited all Ballad facilities that were treating Milligan patients.
Is Steve Lacy Fieldhouse safe now? When will the building reopen?
The source of the carbon monoxide leak has been stopped, and Atmos Energy has confirmed that carbon monoxide levels in the Fieldhouse returned to normal on Wednesday morning, February 4.
On Thursday morning, February 5, the fire department was onsite, inspected the building, and cleared it for occupancy.
We will notify the Milligan community once the building reopens.
My loved one was impacted. How can I learn more about their status?
Ballad has provided the phone number for their patient experience team. They are prepared to answer any questions you have regarding treatment or protocols. The number is 423-431-6111.